Council to weigh next steps in beaver dam solution
City of Williams Lake Council said it was disappointed with the options provided by the Ministry of Forests regarding ownership and liability of a man-made beaver dam situated on Crown land above South Lakeside Drive. Last month, the dam forced the City to activate its Emergency Operations Centre in order to siphon some 12 million litres of water from the dam as a precautionary measure to protect City residents below on Juniper Street should the dam's banks give way.
In response to a letter from the City asking for a long-term solution to the hazard, the Province noted two options:
Beaver Dam Removal through an application by the City of Williams Lake, or any other potentially-impacted landowner, to the Province
Nuisance Beaver Removal through a licensed trapper who could remove the animal, or animals, during the regular trapping season.
Council said it would further review the Province's letter prior to any next steps.
Request for increased safety at Cataline elementary crosswalk approved
After receiving a letter from a concerned parent, Council agreed to the installation of a new electronic speed tracking sign in the area of Cataline Elementary School and Blair Street. The new speed tracking sign is slated to be installed in September. Line painting in the area is also scheduled to be completed in the near future.
Council authorizes funds for lagoons powerline replacement
Council authorized staff to allocate up to $700,000 to review options and to construct a suitable replacement for the powerline to the sewage treatment plan destroyed by a landslide on June 18. Currently, the City's wastewater treatment plant receives electricity from an overhead powerline extending from Frizzi Road to the landfill, and down the escarpment to the lagoons.
Council noted while a solution to the destroyed powerline is presently required, it also needs to look at a potential future plan to permanently relocate the lagoons to a more suitable location due to reoccurring land slippage in the area.
Recreation Facilities Allocation Policy approved
Council approved a proposed Recreation Facilities Allocation Policy. The policy ensures all requests for any facility access request are considered in an atmosphere where the public is at the forefront.
The updated policy also covers all of the City's recreation assets, not just the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex.
Council receives report on park, facility, green space bookings and summer opportunities
Council received a report from the City's Director of Community Services with an update on the City's park, facility and green space bookings and summer program opportunities. The intent of the report is to share information on an increase in bookings the City is receiving in park and green spaces after a decline in outdoor space bookings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cariboo GM Soap Box Derby road closure approved
Council approved the use of City streets for the Ninth Annual Cariboo GM Soap Box Derby. The event will take place on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 4 to 9 pm on Fourth Avenue from the top of the Barnard Street intersection to Mackenzie Avenue South.
The derby was originally scheduled for June 16, however, was postponed due to inclement weather.
City proclaims Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion and Williams Lake LGBTQ2+ Pride Week
Council made two proclamations during its Regular Meeting Tuesday.
Special Olympics Global Week of Inclusion will be from July 18-24. On July 20, City Hall lights will be changed to red in recognition of the week.
Next, the City proclaimed the week of Aug. 15-21 Williams Lake LGBTQ2+ Pride Week. Council also authorized the raising of the inclusive pride flag on Aug. 15 on the City's flagpole during the week, as well as joining Pride members at a flag-raising ceremony.